An Azamara jaunt through Portugal, Spain and a bit of Blighty

The Itinerary

• Portugal: Lisbon, Portimão
• Spain: Seville, Cartagena, Palma, Barcelona
• UK: Gibraltar

Having spent many-a-holiday on mainstream cruise ships, it was time for a change. I deserve a little bit of luxury in my life. My first venture into the world of smaller ships led me to Azamara Quest—and I’m never, ever going back.

One of the first things we noticed was the sociability on Quest. The ship's smaller size and more intimate setting naturally made it easy to strike up conversations and form connections with fellow shipmates. By the end of our holiday, we had made some great friends with unforgettable memories. The atmosphere was welcoming and inclusive, which is a stark contrast to the anonymity we often feel on larger ships.

Highlights of the cruise
The real standout features of the smaller ship were the staff, room service and docking locations.

The crew on Azamara Quest were nothing short of marvellous, always smiling, ever helpful, and perpetually on hand to ensure our experience was as smooth as my morning coffee. I honestly wanted to take them all home with me.

And the room service? Picture this: You're lounging on your suite balcony, the morning sun on your face and a scrumptious breakfast spread before you. Each day brought a new view and a new adventure, and the food was consistently top-notch. All included in the fare too—and being one who normally grumbles, I couldn’t grumble on this occasion.

One of the greatest perks of a smaller ship is docking right in the heart of the action. No lengthy bus rides here, thank you very much. This was most evident when we navigated the Guadalquivir River and docked right in the heart of Seville. This unique experience allowed us to enjoy an overnight stay in the city, a privilege that most cruise lines don’t offer. On previous visits I’ve docked at Cadiz, where the 4-hour round trip put me off experiencing Seville, and what a mistake that was!

It instantly became my favourite Spanish city and I will definitely be back… hopefully aboard an Azamara ship.

And then there were the views from Gibraltar Rock. Spectacular doesn’t even begin to cover it. The vistas were breathtaking, and the cheeky monkeys added a bit of fun.

Some top-class destinations
Seville is a real gem—I’m so glad I finally visited. The proximity to all the local attractions allowed us to explore at our own pace. We wandered through historic streets, enjoyed authentic Spanish cuisine and soaked up the springtime atmosphere. I must say my personal highlight was the beautiful Plaza de España, a real slice of Spanish history and a beautiful bit of Sevillano architecture. It was just a short five-minute stroll from the ship. Easy!

Cartagena and Palma also stood out as top destinations. Cartagena—more rich history and more stunning architecture—was perfect for a leisurely stroll to shake off the sea legs! Palma, a blend of old-world charm and modern flair, was home to some of the best tapas I’ve ever eaten.

My final thoughts
I’m a converted man. No longer will I look for the cheap thrills of an inside cabin of a huge ship. I’ve refined—it’s almost like I’ve come of age. I’ll be looking for small-ship cruises in the future, placing an emphasis on the destinations and the intimacy of. If you're pondering a cruise holiday and want something a bit more intimate and immersive, do yourself a favour and hop aboard the Azamara Quest. It's like being part of a floating hotel, but with room service, stunning views, and the chance to see incredible destinations up close. Cheers to many more adventures on the high seas.